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Posted on: January 5, 2018

Thank a School Board Member

January is School Board Recognition Month and Little Elm ISD is joining other districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.

“School board members serve countless hours working to make public education the best it can befor every child,” said Daniel Gallagher, superintendent for Little Elm ISD. In a climate of change and challenge, they develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students. They bear responsibility and oversight in Little Elm ISD for an annual budget of $67 million; 7500 students, in grades PreK to 12; more than 800 employees; and 10 campuses.

“Preparing today’s students to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow is a tremendous task. As elected officials, school board members are the voice of their communities, serving first and foremost in the best interest of our schoolchildren,” said Gallagher.

“We proudly salute these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding, and school facilities. Their service ensures thatdecisions about local public schools are made by those most familiar with the needs of our community’s children and families,” said Gallagher. “These dedicated individuals deserve recognition and thanks for their unfailing commitment to the continuing success of our students now and in the future,” Gallagher said.

Some of the major accomplishments under the current school board are: they approved and supported the renovations and expansions to the Little Elm High School, called for a Bond Election that would be supported by nearly 70% of Little Elm ISD voters, hired a superintendent, Daniel Gallagher, who will continue the momentum, voted to approve LiiNK at all elementary campuses, approved STEM for all K-5 students at every campus, secure land for the District’s second new middle school, approving bond refunds to help save the District more than $30 million, and approved a plan to help Little Elm ISD become a District of Innovation.

The men and women serving Little Elm ISD are:

Melissa Myers, Board President: She has served as a board member since 2014. Her occupation is Implementation Manager for North America customers at Iron Mountain, Inc. Myers believes by serving as a board member, she “can ensure all the kids in Little Elm get a quality education in a place that wants to nurture, not only students, but teachers and staff as well.”

David Montemayor, Board Vice President: He has served as a board member since 2015. He is currently employed by Accretive Solutions as its Senior Manager of Consulting. Montemayor says the reason it is important for him to serve as a board member is “to help bring up the standard for every Little Elm ISD student to what I expect for my own child.”

Jason Olson, Board Secretary: He has served as a board member since 2015. Olson is an AT&T Strategic Account Manager. Olson believes his role as a board member is important because…“I, like all board members, want to make sure we provide the best experience and opportunities for every student so they can be successful in whatever they choose to do after high school.”

Dan Blackwood, Board member:He has served as a board member since 2016. He is employed by Eltek, Inc. Blackwood says it is important for him to serve as a board member “to ensure every student has the tools and knowledge for life after LEISD. Whether they choose to pursue college, civil service, or go straight in to the workplace, we will have prepared them to the best of our ability.”

DeLeon English, Board member: He has served as a board member since 2014. He is employed by Slalom Consulting as its Engagement Lead. English says the reason he serves as a trustee is because…“We need leaders who care about the education, community, and moral base of our kids – all of which will be the greatest imprints on their lives.”

Dan Blackwood, Board member: He has served as a board member since 2016. He is employed by Eltek, Inc. Blackwood says it is important for him to serve as a board member “to ensure every student has the tools and knowledge for life after LEISD. Whether they choose to pursue college, civil service, or go straight in to the workplace, we will have prepared them to the best of our ability.”

Alex Flores, Board member: He has served as a board member since 2014. He works in Sales and Marketing at TXU Energy. Flores serves as a board member because he wants to serve the people of his community. “I want students to have the opportunity to land jobs that will allow them to sustain and care for their families. I don’t want them to graduate for the sake of just saying they gradated. I want them to be ready for the world.”

LeAnna Harding, Board member: She has served as a board member since 2013. She is the Senior HR Consultant for HumCap. The reason why it is important for her to serve as a board member is because…”I want to be a true servant to the community by making sure their voices are heard, making sure our kids get the best resources available for the education, and being a link between the community and the District to ensure everyone is heading down the same path.”

“Great leadership always begins with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference. Please join us as we applaud these local leaders for helping our kids soar to success,” Gallagher said.